Suzhou, was always a romantic and beautiful city in history, was my last stop before I headed back to Shanghai after Huangshan. Affluent people in past
built their vacation homes in Suzhou. Up till now, there were still a few big "Garden" vacation homes left from history. I went there with my friend, Milly,
to visit a couple of the "Gardens".
We then took a boat tour in the canals through the city. It was an very impressive experience. The boat was operated by and old retired old man. He told us stories
about the city, and even sang for us. (see below)
At the end, we visited another "Garden" that offered night time entertainment. There were artistis performing different operas and musicals for us.
Train from Huangshan to Suzhou.
Entering Suzhou industrial district ... pollution.
Classic Chinese Socialism Propaganda (on the train).
Arriving Suzhou train station.
Suzhou international youth hostel.
Besides the youth hostel lies the original guard house.
This canal was built 2000 years ago..
The guard house on the city wall along the main canal.
Even the city bus station is this romantic!
Look carefully, there was motorbike coming at you ... on the pavement.
This is one of the historic temple that can be seen from far away.
We visited the silk museum.
This silk weaving machine was invented 3000 years ago. Don't underestimate Chinese technology.
This machine was to iron the silk fabric.
Very simple machine, humanly operated with a hugh stone.
Walked by a stock broker office ....these are listed companies on the board.
Visiting "Zhuo Zheng Yuan", a retired "Sung Dynasty" politican's garden.
This politican built the four seasons in his garden, so that he could enjoy different seasons.
This was one of the eight ponds in the garden.
Detailed craftsmanship on the structure.
One of the innovative design with covered walkway at the time. The politican was really enjoying this garden.
Another innovative design at the time to allow "see-through" to create a window concept to look through.
You know how long it will take to pave this?
This is also just another pond in his garden.
Each corner on the roof was decorated with a different figure.
This was another piece of chinese craftsmanship.
This is the "Spring" corner of the garden.
The politican was teasing himself by describing he was better off building this garden. He was right!.
This is the "Autumn" house.
This structure consisted of 7 different chinese housing architecture designs.
These birds were real !!
This house was named after those 36 birds ....
A shelter was actually a bunch of trees.
Hey ... what's up ?
A beautiful garden can't live without beautiful flowers!
Beginning of our boat tour along the canals.
Going through the canals Click to play video (2.5 MB file).
This canal system was built 2000 years ago, water was brought from the Yellow River from 25 km away into the city.
Canals weaved through different neighbourhood, crossing many many bridges like this.
According to the old man, touching this dragon head will bring good fortune.
Our retired old men boat operators.
I was enjoying very much on this boat tour.
He was singing a classic musical for us.
Our boat operator sang for us .... very impressive, while paddling the boat. Click to play video (26 MB file).
This man was rolling this drum, full of something, on the road. Hope it was not kerosene inside.
This is the main entrance of a Secondary School in Suzhou. Wow !
Han Shan Temple (Han Shan Si).
This tower in Han Shan Temple was 3000 years ago.
What was that ? Those were coins threw by tourist for good luck.
Each step is different height and depth on the bottom of the tower.
These flags were flown to celebrate the Buddha's Festival.
This copper bell was a replica.
Engraved with thousands of poems.
Very detailed craftsmanship!.
It said, "Wisdom".
It said, "Stately"
This bridge stood for thousands of yeear outside Han Shan Temple.
These granite were originals.
It said, "Silently, and Peacefully".
Entrance to "Wang Shi Yuan", another garden.
At 7pm, it started the night time performance.
Artists performing the classic opera in the "Wang Shi Yuan" garden.
Some musical performance with Chinese musical instruments.
Listen .... (6.8 MB file).
At last, ... leaving "Wang Shi Yuan" with this image.
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